A large, comfortable room. On the left, an arm-chair, a big open fireplace, a writing desk with chair in far left corner. On this side there is also a door leading into CURTISSstudy. In the rear, center, a double doorway opening on the hall and the entryway. Bookcases are built into the wall on both sides of this doorway. In the far right corner, a grand piano. Three large windows looking out on the lawn, and another armchair, front, are on this right side of the room. Opposite the fireplace is a couch, facing front. Opposite the windows on the right is a long table with magazines, reading lamp, etc. Four chairs are grouped about the table. The walls and ceiling are in a French gray color. A great rug covers most of the hardwood floor.

As the curtain rises, MARTHA, CURTISand BIGELOWare discovered. MARTHAis a healthy, fine-looking woman of thirty-eight. She does not appear this age for her strenuous life in the open has kept her young and fresh. She possesses the frank, clear, direct quality of outdoors, outspoken and generous. Her wavy hair is a dark brown, her eyes blue-gray. CURTIS JAYSONis a tall, rangy, broad-shouldered man of thirty-seven. While spare, his figure has an appearance of rugged health, of great nervous strength held in reserve. His square-jawed, large-featured face retains an eager boyish enthusiasm in spite of its prevailing expression of thoughtful, preoccupied aloofness. His crisp dark hair is graying at the temples. EDWARD BIGELOWis a large, handsome man of thirty-nine. His face shows culture and tolerance, a sense of humor, a lazy unambitious contentment. CURTISis reading an article in some scientific periodical, seated by the table. MARTHAand BIGELOWare sitting nearby laughing and chatting.

BIGELOW[Is talking with a comically worried but earnest air.] Do you know, Im getting so Im actually afraid to leave them alone with that governess. Shes too romantic. Ill wager shes got a whole book full of ghost stories, superstitions, and yellow-journal horrors up her sleeve.

MARTHA[Smiling.] Oh, in the mining camps; but you dont suppose my father lugged me along on his prospecting trips, do you? Why, I never saw any rough scenes until Id finished with school and went to live with father in Goldfield.

BIGELOW[To CURTaccusingly.] Why did you elect to take up mining engineering at Cornell instead of a classical degree at the Yale of your fathers and brothers? Because you had been reading Bret Harte in prep. school and mistaken him for a modern realist. You devoted four years to grooming yourself for another outcast of Poker Flat. [MARTHAlaughs.]

BIGELOWNext? You get a job as engineer in that Goldfield minebut you are soon disillusioned by a laborious life where six-shooters are as rare as nuggets. You try prospecting. You find nothing but different varieties of pebbles. But it is necessary to your nature to project romance into these stones, so you go in strong for geology. As a geologist, you become a slave to the Romance of the Rocks. It is but a step from that to anthropologythe last romance of all. There you find yourselfbecause there is no further to go. You win fame as the most proficient of young skull-huntersand wander over the face of the globe, digging up bones like an old dog.

CURTISI only really came to a decision this morning. [With a seriousness that forces BIGELOWSinterested attention.] Its a case of got to go. Its a tremendous opportunity that it would be a crime for me to neglect.

CURTIS[With a smile.] I guess its just that they want all the men with considerable practical experience they can get. There are bound to be hardships and they know Im hardened to them. [Turning to his wife with an affectionate smile.] We havent roughed it in the queer corners for the last ten years without knowing how its done, have we, Martha?

CURTIS[With an earnest enthusiasm.] And this expedition is what you call a large affair, Big. Its the largest thing of its kind ever undertaken. The possibilities, from the standpoint of anthropology, are limitless.

CURTIS[Frowning.] Darn your Barnum and Bailey circus lingo, Big. This isnt a thing to mock at. I should think the origin of man would be something that would appeal even to your hothouse imagination. Modern science believesknowsthat Asia was the first home of the human race. Thats where were going, to the great Central Asian plateau north of the Himalayas.

CURTISIts a chance in a million, but I believe we may, myselfat least find authentic traces of him so that we can reconstruct his life and habits. I was up in that country a lot while I was mining advisor to the Chinese governmentdid some of my own work on the side. The extraordinary results I obtained with the little means at my disposal convinced me of the riches yet to be uncovered. The First Man may be among them.

CURTISYou bet she has. [He goes over and puts his hand on his wifes shoulder affectionately.] Marthas more efficient than a whole staff of assistants and secretaries. She knows more about what Im doing than I do half the time. [He turns toward his study.] Well, I guess Ill go in and work some.

CURTIS[Puts both hands on his shoulders and forces him to his seat again.] No. Sit down, Big. I dont need Martha now. [Coming over to her, bends down and kisses herrather mockingly.] I couldnt deprive Big of an audience for his confessions of a fond parent.

MARTHAThe years have made me reconciled. They havent Curt. [She sighsthen turns to BIGELOW with a forced smile.] I suppose its hard for any of you back here to realize that Curt and I ever had any children.

MARTHAThree years and twoboth girls. [She goes on sadly.] We had a nice little house in Goldfield. [Forcing a smile.] We were very respectable home folks then. The wandering came later, afterIt was a Sunday in winter when Curt and I had gone visiting some friends. The nurse girl fell asleepor somethingand the children sneaked out in their underclothes and played in the snow. Pneumonia set inand a week later they were both dead.

MARTHAWe were real lunatics for a time. And then when wed calmed down enough to realizehow things stood with uswe swore wed never have children againto steal away their memory. It wasnt what you thoughtromanticismthat set Curt wanderingand me with him. It was a longing to lose ourselvesto forget. He flung himself with all his power into every new study that interested him. He couldnt keep still, mentally or bodilyand I followed. He needed methenso dreadfully!

MARTHA[Laughing.] After that nice remark Ill have to forgive you everything, wont I? [LILY JAYSONcomes in from the rear. She is a slender, rather pretty girl of twenty-five. The stamp of college student is still very much about her. She rather insists on a superior, intellectual air, is full of nervous, thwarted energy. At the sight of them sitting on the couch together, her eyebrows are raised.]

LILY[Sitting down by the table as MARTHAand BIGELOWresume their seats on the lounge.] I must say it sounded serious. I heard you tell Big youd forgive him everything, Martha. [Drylywith a mocking glance at BIGELOW.] Youre letting yourself in for a large proposition.

BIGELOW[Displeased but trying to smile it off.] The past is never past for a dog with a bad name, eh, Lily? [LILYlaughs. BIGELOWgets up.] If you want to reward me for my truthfulness, Mrs. Jayson, help me take the kids for an airing in the car. I know its an imposition but theyve grown to expect you. [Glancing at his watch.] By Jove, Ill have to run along. Ill get them and then pick you up here. Is that all right?

LILYOh, Curt is the last one to be bothered by anyones morals. Curt and I are the unconventional ones of the family. The trouble with Bigelow, Martha, is that he was too careless to conceal his sinsand that wont go down in this Philistine small town. You have to hide and be a fellow hypocrite or they revenge themselves on you. Bigelow didnt. He flaunted his love-affairs in everyones face. I used to admire him for it. No one exactly blamed him, in their secret hearts. His wife was a terrible, straitlaced creature. No man could have endured her. [Disgustedly.] After her death he suddenly acquired a bad conscience. Hed never noticed the children before. Ill bet he didnt even know their names. And then, presto, hes about in our midst giving an imitation of a wet hen with a brood of ducks. Its a bore, if you ask me.

LILYDont think that I have anything to do with it. Im only a Victor record of their misgivings. Shall I switch it going? Well, then, father thinks, brother John and wife, sister Esther and husband all think that you are unwisely intimate with this same Bigelow.

LILY[Calmly.] I told them you wouldnt relish their silly advice. [In a very confidential, friendly tone.] Oh, I hate their narrow small-town ethics as much as you do, Martha. I sympathize with you, indeed I do. But I have to live with them and so, for comforts sake, Ive had to make compromises. And youre going to live in our midst from now on, arent you? Well then, youll have to make compromises, tooif you want any peace.

MARTHA[Springing to her feetindignantly.] Its a case of evil minds, it seems to meand it would be extremely insulting if I didnt have a sense of humor. [Resentfully.] You can tell your family, that as far as Im concerned, the town may

LILYGo to the devil. I knew youd say that. Well, fight the good fight. You have all my best wishes. [With a sigh.] I wish I had something worth fighting for. Now that Im through with college, my occupations gone. All I do is read book after book. The only live people are the ones in books, I find, and the only live life.

LILYOh, I know it wasnt practicable as long as you elected to wander with Curtbut why not now when youve definitely settled down here? I think that would solve things all round. If you could present Father with a grandson, Im sure hed fall on your neck. He feels piqued at the John and Esther families because theyve had a run of girls. A male Jayson! Aunt Davidson would weep with joy. [Suddenly.] Youre thirty-eight, arent you, Martha?

LILYThen why dont youbefore its too late? [MARTHA,struggling with herself, does not answer. LILY goes on slowly.] You wont want to tag along with Curt to the ends of the earth forever, will you? [curiously.] Wasnt that queer life like any other? I mean, didnt it get to pall on you?

MARTHA[Excitedly.] Yes, II never thought Id ever want to again. For many years after they died I never once dreamed of it. But latelythe last yearsIve feltand when we came to live hereand I saw all around mehomesand children, I [She hesitates as if ashamed at having confessed so much.]

LILY[Putting an arm around heraffectionately.] I know. [Vigorously.] You must, thats all there is to it! If you want my advice, you go right ahead and dont tell Curt until its a fact hell have to learn to like, willy-nilly. Youll find, in his inmost heart, hell be tickled to death.

LILY[Jumping up.] Ill bet thats we Jaysons now. [She runs to the door in the rear and looks down the hall to the right.] Yes, its Esther and husband and Aunt Davidson. [She comes back to MARTHA laughing excitedly. The MAIDis seen going to the door.] The first wave of attack, Martha! Be brave! The Young Guard dies but never surrenders!

MARTHA[Displeased but forcing a smile.] You make me feel terribly ill at ease when you put it that way, Lily. [She rises now and goes to greet the visitors, who enter. MRS. DAVIDSONis seventy-five years olda thin, sinewy old lady, old-fashioned, unbending and rigorous in manner. She is dressed aggressively in the fashion of a bygone age. ESTHERis a stout, middle-aged woman with the round, unmarked, sentimentally-contented face of one who lives unthinkingly from day to day, sheltered in an assured position in her little world. MARK,her husband, is a lean, tall, stooping man of about forty-five. His long face is alert, shrewd, cautious, full of the superficial craftiness of the lawyer mind. MARTHAkisses the two women, shakes hands with MARK,uttering the usual meaninglessgreetings in a forced tone. They reply in much the same spirit. There is the buzz of this empty chatter while MARTHAgets them seated. LILYstands looking on with a cynical smile of amusement. MRS. DAVIDSONis in the chair at the end of table, left, ESTHERsits by MARTHAon couch, MARK in chair at front of table.] Will you have tea now or shall we wait for the others?

LILY[Irritated by his smugness.] As big a success as the brief youre writing to restrain the citizens from preventing the Traction Company robbing them, eh Mark? [Before anyone can reply, she turns suddenly on her aunt who is sitting rigidly on her chair, staring before her stonily like some old lady in a daguerreotypein a loud challenging tone.] You dont mind if I smoke, Aunt? [She takes a cigarette out of case and lights it.]

MRS. DAVIDSON[Fixes LILYwith her starein a tone of irrevocable decision.] Well get you married, young lady, and that very soon. What you need to bring you down to earth is a husband and the responsibility of children. [Turning her glance to MARTHA,a challenge in her question.] Every woman who is able should have children. Dont you believe that, Martha Jayson? [She accentuates the full name.]

MARTHA[Quietly.] A paid secretary could hardly give the sympathy and understanding Curt needs, Mrs. Davidson. [Proudly.] And she would have to study for years, as I have done, in order to take my place. [To LILY.] If I am not here by the time the others arrive, will you see about the tea, Lily?

MRS. DAVIDSON[Harshly.] I have heard much silly talk of this being an age of free women, and I have always said it was tommyrot. [Pointing to the study.] She is an example. She is more of a slave to Curts hobbies than any of my generation were to anything but their children. [Still more harshly.] Where are her children?

LILY[Mockingly.] Mark, your frau seems to have me on the stand. Can I refuse to answer? [There is a ring at the bell. LILYjumps to her feet excitedly.] Here comes the rest of our Grand Fleet. Now Ill have my tea. [She darts out to the hallway.]

ESTHER[Shaking her head.] Goodness, Lily is trying on the nerves. [JAYSON,his two sons, JOHNand DICK,and JOHNSwife, EMILY,enter from hallway in rear. JAYSON,the father, is a short, stout, baldheaded man of sixty. A typical, small-town, New England best-family banker, reserved in pose, unobtrusively importanta placid exterior hiding querulousness and a fussy temper. JOHN JUNIORis his father over again in appearance, but pompous, obstrusive, purse-and-family-proud, extremely irritating in his self-complacent air of authority, emptily assertive and loud. He is about forty. RICHARD,the other brother, is a typical young Casino and country club member, college-bred, good looking, not unlikable. He has been an officer in the war and has not forgotton it. EMILY, JOHN JR.Swife, is one of those small, mouse-like women who conceal beneath an outward aspect of gentle, unprotected innocence a very active envy, a silly pride, and a mean malice. The people in the room with the exception of MRS. DAVIDSONrise to greet them. All exchange familiar, perfunctory greetings. SHEFFIELDrelinquishes his seat in front of the table to JAYSON,going to the chair, right front, himself. JOHNand DICKtake the two chairs to the rear of table. EMILYjoins ESTHERon the couch and they whisper together excitedly, ESTHERdoing most of the talking. The men remain in uncomfortable silence for a moment.]

DICK[With gay mockery.] Well, the gangs all here. Looks like the League of Nations. [Then with impatience.] Lets get down to cases, folks. I want to know why Ive been summoned here. Im due for tournament mixed-doubles at the Casino at five. Wheres the teaand has Curt a stick in the cellar to put in it?

LILY[Insultingly.] How well you say what you dont mean, Emily! Twinkle, twinkle, little bat! But Im forgetting to do the honors. Tea, everybody? [Without waiting for any answer.] Tea, everybody! [The tea is served.]

LILYShe said you could all go to the devil! [They all look shocked and insulted. LILYenjoys this, then adds quietly.] Oh, not in those words. Martha is a perfect lady. But she made it plain she will thank you to mind your own business.

LILY[Uncertainly.] Perhaps I shouldnt have. Its not my secret. [Enjoying herself immensely now that she holds the spotlightafter a pause, in a stage whisper.] Shall I tell you? Yes, I cant help telling. Well, Martha is going to have a son. [They are all stunned and flabbergasted and stare at her speechlessly.]

LILYIts all very simple. When the two died years ago, they said they would never have one again. Martha thinks Curt is still haunted by their memory and is afraid he will resent another as an intruder. I told her that was all foolishnessthat a child was the one thing to make Curt settle down for good at home here and write his books.

LILY[Fiercely.] Ssshh, you empty barrel! I think I hear [The door from the study is opened and MARTHAcomes in in the midst of a heavy silence.All the gentlemen rise stiffly. MARTHAis made immediately self-conscious and resentful by the feeling that they have been discussing her unfavorably.]

MARTHA[Coming forwardwith a forced cordiality.] How do you do, everybody? So sorry I wasnt here when you came. I hope Lily made proper excuses for me. [She goes from one to the other of the four latest comers with So glad you came, etc. They reply formally and perfunctorily. MARTHAfinally finds a seat on the couch between EMILYand ESTHER.] I hope Lilybut I see youve all had tea.

MARTHA[More and more stung by their strained attitudes and inquisitive glances. Coldly and cuttingly.] Finely, thank you. The book will cause quite a stir, I believe. It will make the name of Jayson famous in the big world outside of Bridgetown.

LILYAunt means its world famous already, Martha. [Pointing to the sullen JOHN.] John was once a substitute on the Yale Freshman soccer team, you know. If it wasnt for his weak shins he would have made the team, fancy!

DICK[This tickles his sense of humor and he bursts into laughter.] Lily wins! [As his brother glares at himlooking at his watch.] Heavens, Ill have to hustle! [Gets to his feet.] Im due at the Casino. [Comes and shakes MARTHAShand formally.] Im sorry I cant stay.

LILY[Stops at the door in rear and catching MARTHASeye, looks meaningly at the others.] Phew! I need fresh air! [She makes an encouraging motion as if pummeling someone to MARTHA,indicating her assembled family as the victimthen goes out laughing. A motor is heard startingrunning off.]

EMILY[With her sugary smile.] That isnt what Martha means, you silly. I know what shes thinking about us, and Im not sure that I dont agree with herpartly. She feels that were so awfully strictabout certain things. It must be so different in the Far WestI supposeso much freer.

MARTHA[Acidly.] Then you believe broad-mindedness and clean thinking are a question of locality? I cant agree with you. I know nothing of the present Far West, not having lived there for ten years, but Curt and I have lived in the Far East and Im sure hed agree with me in saying that Chinese ancestor worship is far more dignified than ours. After all, you know, theirs is religion, not snobbery. [There is a loud honking of an auto horn before the house. MARTHAstarts, seems to come to a quick decision, and announces with studied carelessness.] That must be Mr. Bigelow. I suppose Lily told you I had an engagement to go motoring with him. So sorry I must leave. But Im like Lily. I need fresh air. [She walks to the study door as she is talking.] Ill call Curt. [She raps loudly on the door and calls.] Curt! Come out! Its important. [She turns and goes to the door, smiling fixedly.] Hell be out when hes through swearing. [She goes out, rear.]

JAYSON[Jumping up to restrain herworriedly.] Now, Aunt Elizabeth, do keep your head! We must have no scandal of any sort. Remember there are servants about. Do sit down. [The old lady refuses in stubborn silence.]

EMILY[In her lisp of hidden meanings.] Yes, the family mustnt forgether condition. [The door from the study is opened and CURTappears. His face shows his annoyance at being interrupted, his eyes are preoccupied. They all turn and greet him embarrassedly. He nods silently and comes slowly down front.]

CURTIS[Frowning grumpily.] Hm! Big and his eternal kids. [He sighs. They exchange meaning glances. CURTseems to feel ashamed of his grumpiness and tries to fling it offwith a cheerful smile.] But what the deuce! I must be getting selfish to grudge Martha her bit of fresh air. You dont know what it means to outdoor animals like us to be pent up. [He springs to his feet and paces back and forth nervously.] Were used to living with the sky for a roof [Then interestedly.] Did Martha tell you Id definitely decided to go on the five year Asian expedition?

CURTIS[With a laugh.] No? What makes you so sure of that? [As they look mystified, he continues confidentially.] Ill let you in on the secretonly you must all promise not to breathe a word to Marthauntil to-morrow. To-morrow is her birthday, you know, and this is a surprise Ive saved for her. [They all nod.] Ive been intriguing my damnedest for the past month to get permission for Martha to go with me. It was difficult because women are supposed to be barred. [Happily.] But Ive succeeded. The letter came this morning. How tickled to death shell be when she hears! I know shes given up hope. [Thoughtfully.] I suppose its that has been making her act so out-of-sorts lately.

CURTIS[Frowning.] I cant imagine it without her. You people cant have any idea what a helpa chumshes been. You cant believe that a woman could beso much thatin a life of that kindhow Ive grown to depend on her. The thousand detailsshe attends to them all. She remembers everything. Why, Id be lost. I wouldnt know how to start. [With a laugh.] I know this sounds like a confession of weakness but its true just the same. [Frowningagain.] However, naturally my work must always be the first consideration. Yes, absolutely! [Then with glad relief.] But whats the use of rambling on this way? We can both go, thank heaven!

EMILY[With her false air of innocence.] Curt acts so funny, doesnt he? Did you notice how emphatic he was about its being impossible? And he said Martha seemed to him to be acting queer latelywith him, I suppose he meant.

SHEFFIELD[Mollifyinglywith a judicial air.] Come now! This is all only suspicion. There is no evidence; you have no case; and the defendant is innocent until you have proved her guilty, remember. [Getting to his feet.] Well, lets break up. Esther, you and I ought to be getting home. [They all rise.]